JP5596833B2 - Content distribution system, distribution server, and content distribution method - Google Patents

Description

  This relates to a content distribution system that distributes content such as video to a specific receiving terminal via a network, a distribution server used therefor, and a technology that authenticates user equipment when receiving content from the distribution server.

  When sending information only to a specific partner, electronic mail (hereinafter, mail) is generally used. In this case, as a matter of course, both the transmitting device and the receiving device need to have mail software. In recent years, since many purchasers of PCs (personal computers) use e-mails, e-mail software is generally installed in PCs at the time of sale.

  On the other hand, products that can be connected to a network have started to be released in recent years. However, it is not always connected to a network as much as a PC. Also, it is less frequent than using a PC to send e-mails on a television that is often viewed by the whole family. Therefore, although it can be connected to a network, installing mail software on a television is impractical from the viewpoint of development cost.

  Even without mail software, a television connected to the network can access the server and request distribution of content. Patent Document 1 discloses a download reservation method. Here, measure the download speed of the test file, predict the time until completion, set the download start date and time to complete the download at the time desired by the user, make a reservation with the user's consent Is stated. If the user does not agree, the download start date and time of the alternative is presented. It also describes a method of monitoring the download status and switching to another server if it is unlikely to finish by the promised completion time. Patent Document 2 describes a method of dividing a download reservation time slot and assigning it to terminals to distribute the load.

  Furthermore, it is conceivable that the number of services such as e-mail will increase in the future. A method of performing authentication between a service receiving device and a service distribution server corresponding to this is described in Patent Document 3.

JP 2003-67280 A JP 2004-185114 A JP 2001-350724 A

  According to Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, a terminal (television) that does not have mail software can access a distribution server and download desired content at a desired date and time. However, in either case, the server is accessed from the terminal (television), and the content owned by a specific individual is received, or a certain sender transmits the content owned by the sender to the specific terminal (television). It is not considered to do. Therefore, a technique for sending content owned by the sender to a specific terminal (television) in which no mail software is installed is desired.

  Further, according to Patent Document 3, authentication is performed using a unique ID of a device, and authentication can be performed when the above-described service is provided. However, even when added services are diversified, it is more secure. There is no consideration for certification. Therefore, a more convenient authentication technique is desired.

  An object of the present invention is to add various services such as a service that can transmit contents owned by the user as if using a mail to a specific receiving terminal that does not have mail software from the transmitting terminal. And providing the service by performing secure authentication without bothering the user.

  In order to solve the above-described object, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted.

The sender can transmit the content as easily as sending an e-mail to a receiving terminal that does not have e-mail software. In addition, since the receiver can receive the content after confirming the sender, unnecessary content is not transmitted from an unspecified number of people.
Since the service as described above can be used safely and the service server represented by the distribution server is independent of the authentication server, an authentication server that can withstand the addition of various services can be realized.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a content distribution system. The figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the server. The figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the television. The figure which shows the processing flow of a content delivery service. An example of an unread mail check table. An example of a sender DB. An example of recipient DB. An example of a content management table. An example of a login / user registration screen on the transmission side. An example of a user registration screen (confirmation of terms). An example of a user registration screen (address designation). An example of a user registration screen (input of member information). An example of a user registration screen (confirmation of input contents). An example of a user registration screen (temporary registration completion). An example of the server connection initial screen on the receiving side. An example of a sender approval screen. An example of a user main registration screen. An example of a mail creation screen. An example of a created email. An example of a destination addition / edit screen. An example of a mobile phone registration / edit screen. An example of a screen accessed from a mobile phone. An example of a screen for sending an email from a mobile phone. An example of a received mail list display screen. An example of a still image list display screen. An example of a video / still image playback screen. An example of a download selection screen. An example of a download execution confirmation screen. An example of a download execution screen. An example of a download end screen. An example of a sender list display screen. An example of a sender approval screen. An example of a receipt approval / rejection screen. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a content distribution system. The figure which shows an example of an internal structure of the authentication server. An example of television apparatus DB. An example of a one-time ID management table. The figure which shows the processing flow of authentication. An example of apparatus identification ID corresponding | compatible television apparatus DB. An example of the one-time ID management table corresponding to device identification ID. The figure which shows the processing flow regarding apparatus identification ID. An example of a device identification ID acquisition and confirmation screen. An example of a device identification ID acquisition and confirmation screen when device identification ID is not acquired. An example of a device identification ID deletion screen. An example of an unread mail check table corresponding to a device identification ID. An example of a sender DB corresponding to a device identification ID. An example of receiver DB corresponding to apparatus identification ID. An example of a content management table corresponding to a device identification ID. The figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the authentication server. An example of a member DB. An example of member ID corresponding | compatible television equipment DB. An example of a one-time ID management table corresponding to a member ID. The figure which shows the processing flow regarding member ID. An example of a member ID registration and confirmation screen. An example of a member ID new registration screen. An example of a member ID deletion screen. An example of a user registration screen (designating a member ID correspondence destination). The figure which shows the processing flow at the time of transmission of "notification service". An example of the message input screen which inputs apparatus identification ID and member ID. An example of a message transmission confirmation screen. An example of member ID corresponding | compatible television equipment DB. The figure which shows the processing flow at the time of reception of "notification service". An example of a “Notification” message list screen. An example of a "Notice" message display screen. An example of the “Notification” message member password input screen.

  In the following embodiments, the transmission terminal is a PC or a mobile phone, and the reception terminal is a television. The content includes, for example, a moving image shot with a video camera and a still image shot with a digital camera (digital camera). These moving images and still images are collectively called a video. Since a television does not have an e-mail address, a device ID for identifying each television is stored in the television at the time of manufacture, and the user can know the device ID using a television remote controller or the like. The sender sends an image using the device ID as a key. In order to control video transmission and reception, a server is installed in the center and connected via a network. The PC registers as a sender with this server. At that time, the device ID of the other party's television that he / she wants to send is also registered.

  When the television accesses the server via the network, a confirmation message for approving the registered sender is displayed on the screen. When the receiver approves this, the contents registered by the sender become valid, and the server starts a video custody service from the sender. When the server deposits the video, it displays that the video has arrived on the television screen of the registered recipient. When the receiver selects a desired video, the receiver can receive and view it from the server.

  FIG. 1 is an example of an overall configuration diagram showing a content distribution system according to the present embodiment. This system is configured such that a transmitting terminal (PC 10), a receiving terminal (TV 20), and a distribution server (server 30) that relays content distribution between them are connected to a network 4 such as the Internet. . Then, the video content owned by the sender is transmitted via the server 30 from the PC 10 having the mail software to the television 20 having no mail software.

  A sender in the sender's home 1 copies video content (hereinafter also referred to as a video file or video) taken by the video camera 11 or the digital camera 12 to the PC 10. It connects to the network 4 via a router (not shown) and deposits the video in the server 30 in the center 3. The server 30 deposits the video from the sender (PC 10) and waits for access from the television 20 of the receiver's house 2 designated by the sender. When the television 20 is connected to the server 30 in the center 3 via the router and the network 4, the server 30 sends a message indicating that the video has arrived and displays it on the screen of the television 20. Thereafter, the recipient can select and receive the video for viewing. If the television 20 has a built-in recording device (for example, a hard disk), video can be downloaded.

  The server 30 is required to have a function for specifying the television 20 that is a receiving terminal. Therefore, it is efficient for the center 3 that performs the content distribution service using the server 30 to be set up and operated by the same manufacturer that manufactured the television 20. Moreover, in order to identify the television 20 which is a receiving terminal, the device ID of each television 20 is used as an address. In addition, the sender can transmit a video file shot with a mobile phone 50 registered in advance to the server 30 via the network 4 as well as the PC 10 at home. explain. Hereinafter, the content distribution service performed by the center 3 (server 30) will be referred to as a “video delivery service”.

Next, the internal configurations of the server 30 and the television 20 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the server 30.
The network transmission / reception unit 31 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the PC 10 and the television 20 via the network.

  The member information management unit 32 includes databases and tables such as an unread mail check table 33, a sender DB 34, a receiver DB 35, a television device DB 36, and a content management table 37. We keep custody information. When there is an access from the PC 10 or the television 20, the related database or table is referred to and processing such as confirmation and registration of member information is performed.

  For example, when member temporary registration is executed from the sender's PC 10, information such as a device ID and a user ID is registered in the unread mail check table 33. When the sender approval process is executed from the television 20, the contents of the sender DB 34 and the receiver DB 35 are updated according to the contents. Further, when there is an access from the television 20, the television 20 is requested to transmit a device ID and is acquired. The acquired device ID is checked against the information in the TV device DB 36 to check whether the ID is a regular ID. If the device ID is illegal, it is detected at this point and the subsequent processing is rejected. The content management table 37 manages content stored by users and holds service contract items with each user.

  The content transmission / reception unit 38 receives video content from the PC 10 and transmits video content to the television 20. The content storage unit 39 stores video content to be transmitted and received. That is, the video content uploaded from the PC 10 is stored in the content storage unit 39, and when there is a video reception / viewing request or video download request from the television 20, the video content is received from the content storage unit 39. Read out and transmit to TV 20.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the television 20.
The network transmitting / receiving unit 21 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the server 30 via the network. The browser unit 22 draws screen information such as a mail screen and an approval screen in accordance with information described in a format such as HTML or BML transmitted from the server 30 and outputs the screen information to the display unit 27. The moving image reproduction unit 23 decodes a still image or a moving image file included in the content transmitted from the server 30, reproduces it as a still image or a moving image, and outputs it to the display unit 27.

  The device ID notification processing unit 24 reads out device ID information assigned to the television 20 from the device ID holding unit 25 based on a request from the server 30 and notifies the server 30 of the device ID information. The device ID holding unit 25 stores and holds device ID information unique to the television 20. This device ID information is assigned to each terminal when the television 20 is manufactured, and is written in the device ID holding unit 25. When the user wants to know the device ID, it can be read out by remote control operation and displayed on the display unit 27, for example.

  The content recording unit 26 is, for example, a hard disk recording device, and downloads and stores video content received from the server 30. The user can read the stored video when necessary and view it through the video playback unit 23. The recording unit 26 may be internal or external. The display unit 27 displays the video and information output from the browser 22, the moving image playback unit 23, and the device ID notification processing unit 24 on the screen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the content distribution service (video delivery service) of the present embodiment. First, the outline of the processing will be described in the order of steps.

  Step S101: The sender acquires the device ID of the other receiving terminal (TV 20) and the URL of the server 30 to which the TV 20 is connected from the video receiver. Alternatively, the receiver may notify the video sender of the device ID of the television 20 and the URL of the server 30 by telephone or FAX. Therefore, a device ID for identifying a device is recorded in the device ID holding unit 25 of the television 20. This device ID is used as an address for video transmission. It should be noted that the device ID is easily made known to the owner of the television using a remote controller or the like, like the B-CAS card number.

  Step S102: The sender accesses the server 30 from the PC 10 based on the above information (the device ID of the television 20 and the URL of the server 30), and inputs the information of the sender and the receiver. This is called member temporary registration. Specifically, as the sender information, the sender's mail address is used as the user ID, and the address, name, displayed name, date of birth, telephone number, etc. are registered. In addition, the device ID of the television 20 and the displayed name are registered as the receiver information. These pieces of information are provisionally registered in the database of the server 30.

  Step S103: The server 30 of the center 3 notifies the provisionally registered receiver 20 that the member has been provisionally registered based on the device ID. On the other hand, the recipient confirms the contents of temporary registration and approves it. At that time, since the mail software is not installed in the television 20, notification is made as follows. In the unread mail check table 33 of the server 30, a device ID flag that has been provisionally registered is set. When there is an access from a certain TV 20, the server 30 refers to this table and checks whether a device ID flag of the accessed TV is set. If the flag is set, the sender's user ID and name are checked from the sender database 34 and “TV is trying to send a video file” is displayed on the television 20. The receiver approves the transmission if the displayed sender (Mr. XX) is a desired partner.

  Step S104: When the receiver approves the sender displayed on the television 20, the server 30 changes the provisionally registered member information to main registration. In addition, the result of whether or not the receiver approves is notified to the sender by e-mail. The email address registered at the time of temporary member registration may be used. By performing the main registration, the server 30 starts a custody service for video sent from the registered sender. That is, the sender cannot deposit the video in the server 30 until the receiver approves the sender. Therefore, the server 30 can avoid useless custody services.

  Step S105: The sender operates the PC 10 to designate a recipient who has approved the transmission, and transmits (uploads) the video captured by the video camera 11 or the digital camera 12 to the server 30. The server 30 stores the video sent from the PC 10 in the content storage unit 39. And it keeps until there is a reception request from the designated recipient.

  Step S106: The server 30 converts the format of the stored video (file format) into a format that can be displayed on the television 20 as necessary. For example, in the case of a moving image, the file format stored on the PC 10 may be reproducible on the TV 20 even though it can be replayed on the PC. By converting the video format in the server 30, the burden on the television 20 can be reduced.

  Step S107: When the recipient accesses the server 30 from the television 20, the server 30 checks the unread mail check table 33. If an unread mail flag is set for the device ID of the accessed television 20, it means that the recipient has not received the mail (video content) yet. In that case, the server 30 notifies the television 20 that the video has arrived. The receiver selects a desired video, receives it from the server 30, and views it on the television 20.

  Step S108: If the television 10 includes the recording device 26 such as a hard disk, the received video can be stored and saved (downloaded). Further, if there is an unnecessary stored video, it can be erased by operating the television 20. In addition, regarding the erasure | elimination of an image | video, the sender | operator can also erase the image | video deposited in the server 30 by operating PC10. That is, at least one of the sender and the receiver has the authority to delete the transmitted / received video.

  Step S109: If there is a video to be transmitted next, the sender returns to Step S105 and transmits the next video to the server 30. That is, member registration from steps S101 to S104 is completed only in the first time. Since it is not necessary from the second time, it is possible to transmit video between the registered sender and receiver at any time.

The content distribution service by this system has the following advantages.
(A) Unlike a PC, it is difficult to incorporate additional software such as e-mail software in a household appliance whose receiving terminal is a television. The reason for this is that the cost for development and verification is high, and it is difficult to cope with version upgrades, including confirmation of compatibility with past products. On the other hand, in this system, video content can be transmitted and received without incorporating mail software into the television.
(B) Unlike a PC, a household electrical appliance called a television has many opportunities for handling various users including elderly people. Moreover, since a remote control is used, input means are also limited. Therefore, it is required that anyone can handle it easily and easily, and that it can be handled without operating errors. In this regard, this system uses the unique device ID assigned to each device to identify the TV, so there is no need to input a personal ID for identifying the own account, and erroneous operations can be performed. Can be prevented.
(C) After the receiver confirms and approves the sender, the server keeps the content from the sender and transmits it to the receiver. Therefore, the recipient is not sent unnecessary content such as spam mail from an unspecified number of people. The distribution server can avoid unnecessary custody.

Hereinafter, each process of the content distribution service of FIG. 4 will be described in detail.
(1) Notification of device ID and URL (step S101)
For example, if the vendor who provides the “video delivery service” is a TV manufacturer, the address (URL) of the server 30 that implements the service is provided on its homepage, TV brochure, flyer bundled with the TV, etc. Describe it. Further, the device ID of the television is recorded in the device ID holding unit 25 so that the user can easily know it by operating the remote controller, like the number of the B-CAS card.

  This device ID is an ID used like a mail address. It is desirable to devise so that the sender does not send it to a third party even if the input is incorrect. Therefore, instead of presenting the device ID itself to the user, it is desirable to present a conversion device ID that has been processed to prevent erroneous input. For example, assuming that the original device ID is 32 bits long, a checksum is obtained by adding four numerical values divided into 8 bits. Then, the last 8 bits of this checksum are taken out and connected to the original device ID to generate a converted device ID having a total of 40 bits. This conversion device ID is presented to the user.

  The conversion device ID generated in this way is unlikely to match the third-party conversion device ID including the checksum even if the sender inputs a part of the ID by mistake when inputting. In addition, since there is a high possibility of mismatch when the checksum is collated on the server side, the possibility that it will be erroneously transmitted to a third party's television is reduced, and safety can be increased.

When performing the above conversion processing, the television 20 can perform the conversion processing when the device ID is read by the device ID notification processing unit 24 of FIG. 3 described above. Similarly, on the server 30 side, after acquiring the device ID from the television 20 in the member information management unit 32 in FIG. 2, the device ID of the television 20 is obtained by performing a conversion process reverse to the conversion process of the television 20. The device ID before conversion held by the holding unit 25 can be restored.
In the following description, particularly in the first, second, and third embodiments, the device ID refers to the original device ID or the conversion device ID.

  The TV owner tells the person (family, friends, relatives, etc.) who wants to send the video the phone's device ID and the URL of the service provider's portal (server) by telephone or fax. Request membership registration for.

(2) Member temporary registration (step S102)
The sender performs member registration (temporary registration) to the “video delivery service” based on the device ID acquired from the receiver and the URL of the server. It is assumed that a browser 22 is mounted on the sender's PC 10 and the following operations are performed by the browser. Access the URL from the PC 10 and register as a member. 9 to 14 show display screens at the time of member registration.

  FIG. 9 is a top screen of the video delivery service. If the user ID is not yet owned, the “user registration” button is pressed to perform user registration. FIG. 10 is a screen that displays the terms and conditions for handling personal information. FIG. 11 is a screen for inputting the device ID of the transmission destination television. In this display screen, the term “destination ID” that is easy for the user to understand is used instead of the device ID. Hereinafter, “destination ID” has the same meaning as “device ID”. FIG. 12 is a screen for inputting information of a receiver and a sender. FIG. 13 is a screen for confirming the input content. FIG. 14 is a screen indicating that provisional registration has been completed.

  When the provisional registration is completed, the server 30 registers the contents in the unread mail check table 33. FIG. 5 shows an example of the unread mail check table 33. In the table, a flag indicating whether or not there is a person waiting for approval as a sender for each device ID and whether or not a new video file is sent from the approved sender is provided. In this example, there are two senders requesting approval for the television with the device ID “1234567”, and their user IDs (ID1, ID2) are shown. In addition, a mail (actually video) from an approved user (ID1) has arrived, indicating that the receiver of the television has not yet read the mail.

(3) Recipient approval and member registration (steps S103 and S104)
FIG. 15 shows an initial screen in which the recipient accesses the server 30 of the center 3 from the television 20. This corresponds to the initial screen when the PC 10 is connected to the Internet, and the access address is stored in the television 20. On the screen, the video delivery service is displayed as “video delivery”. The server 30 refers to the unread mail check table 33 in FIG. 5 and displays the status of the person waiting for approval as the sender and the status of the video file sent from the approved sender on the following screen. .

  If the sender has temporarily registered the member and is waiting for approval from the receiver, “video delivery service” is selected in FIG. The receiver moves the cursor up / down / left / right with the remote controller and then presses the enter key, or selects the “video delivery” service menu with the numeric keys by associating each service with the key number of the remote controller.

  FIG. 16 shows a sender approval screen. In this example, this means that “Mr. Taro has temporarily registered as a sender, so I would like to approve it”. The recipient decides whether or not to approve, and selects “O = Approve” or “X = Reject” with the TV remote control. When “Δ = not decided now” is selected, it is possible to decide whether to approve later (FIG. 32).

  Also, when an approved user sends a new video file, “1 new mail” is displayed as shown in FIG. 15 to notify that there is a new video. Then, the user is prompted to select “video delivery” and display the reception list. In the display screen, the term “mail” is used. No e-mail software is installed on the TV 20, so technically, e-mail is not received, but the expression "e-mail" is used in consideration of the ease of understanding of the user (sender, recipient). Yes.

  When the receiver approves the sender, the sender performs the main registration from the temporary member registration, and the server 30 adds the contents to the sender DB 34 and the receiver DB 35.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the sender DB. Contents of provisional registration from user ID to date of birth, device ID of recipient's TV that has approved (permitted to send) the number of recipients = 1 at the time of final registration (entered during provisional registration) ). In addition, the credit card number, expiration date, and membership date entered by the user during the main registration are additionally registered. Since it may be transmitted from a mobile phone, only a field is provided and registered when added. The number of recipients = 3 in FIG. 6 is because the number of recipients increased by two after the main registration.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the recipient DB, which is additionally registered during the main registration. Initially, the number of senders = 1 is set, and the user ID (in this case, user ID 5) of the sender permitted to send is registered. Thereafter, when another sender is permitted to transmit, the number of users is incremented, and the user ID (in this case, user ID 6) is added. Information identifying the individual in the receiver DB can be realized only by the name displayed as the device ID, but when considering changing to receiver billing in the future, the address, name, phone number, date of birth Changing the date is easier. Such information may be input on the registration screen of FIG. FIG. 7 shows the contents with these information added. If the sender DB and receiver DB are additionally registered, the sender can send mail to the receiver.

  When the recipient approves the sender, the server 30 sends an email “Approved” to the sender and informs the URL that can be registered. The sender inputs this URL on the PC 10 and accesses the main registration screen. FIG. 17 shows the main registration screen. Set passwords and questions and answers for forgotten passwords. There are three courses: a fixed-price basic course, a fixed-price advanced course, and a pay-as-you-go course, and the sender selects them. The fixed-price course uses a fixed amount of hard disk space, and it costs a fixed amount. Advanced course has a large available hard disk capacity. On the other hand, if the pay-per-use course is up to a fixed capacity per time, a fixed fee is generated and the server 30 automatically deletes it after a predetermined period. In this embodiment, since sender accounting is assumed, a credit card number, an expiration date, and a security code are input in this registration. Credit card information can be entered at the time of temporary member registration in (2) above, but if the card is authenticated but not approved by the recipient, a charge will be incurred. Must be prevented. Therefore, in this embodiment, the credit card information is inputted at the time of the main registration which may be charged.

(4) Upload video file from PC (step S105)
When logging in on the screen of FIG. 9 from the PC 10, the mail creation screen of FIG. 18 is displayed. Select “Compose Mail” and select recipients and attachments. In the center of the screen, the name of the recipient who approved it is displayed in the “To (required)” frame. The sender selects a receiver from these. When a check box is selected, a check mark is displayed.

  FIG. 19 shows the contents of the created mail. When the “add file” button 201 at the top of the screen is pressed, a screen 202 for selecting a file stored in the PC 10 is popped up. FIG. 19 shows a file selection screen 202 at the bottom of the screen for the convenience of expression. Select the file you want to send. The file is displayed as a file list 203 on the screen of the PC 10 together with a thumbnail, a file name, and a creation date. FIG. 19 shows an example in which three attached files are selected. In the destination list 204, two persons are selected as destinations from the list. It should be noted that the receiver with the mark “cancel reception” in the list 204 once approved the sender in the past, but indicates that the reception is currently rejected according to the intention of the user.

  Here, the integration of video files to be transmitted will be described. When shooting is performed with the video camera 11, there may be a single moving image file in one scene from the start of recording to the temporary stop. In that case, when a video file is copied from the video camera 11 to the PC 10, there are a plurality of files, and one event such as an athletic meet or a school festival is composed of a plurality of files. Files related to one event are often handled together. Therefore, in such a case, generally, the sender needs to upload a plurality of files by one mail.

  On the other hand, from the standpoint of the recipient, if multiple files like the above are sent in one email, when playing them, It is more convenient to play the entire image in order with a single operation than to perform each operation. Considering this point, in the present embodiment, when the sender uploads a plurality of files at once, the server 30 integrates these files. In this embodiment, the server 30 integrates the files according to the order in which the sender attached the files in FIG. Even after a file is registered in the file list 203 of FIG. 19, a file is selected so that the order of the files can be changed. When the recipient plays, the integrated file is played according to the above order.

In this embodiment, the video file includes a moving image and a still image. Since these may be uploaded together, it is handled as follows.
(A) When the file to be transmitted is only a moving image, the server 30 connects them in the order of attachment to form one moving image file.
(B) If the file to be transmitted is only a still image, it is handled as a plurality of files and is not integrated. Each file is displayed on the television like an icon.
(C) If the file to be transmitted contains both moving images and still images, the moving images are connected in the order of attachment, and the moving image is made into one moving image file until there is a still image file. A still image is handled for each file. Display in the order in which the sender attached them. If it is a movie, it plays back one file. If it becomes a still image, it displays for a few seconds, and then displays the next file (displays if it is a still image, plays if it is a movie).

  In addition, in the above (a) to (c), it is described that the moving images are combined into one file as much as possible. However, it is also possible to hold the files one by one without integration and to play them one by one in the order of attached files Needless to say.

  In addition, it is possible to impose a restriction that a single mail does not allow a mixture of moving images and still images. In that case, if you have selected in advance whether to send a video or still image, check the file extension, and if a file of the wrong format is attached, "The file is not a video (still image)" And warn the sender so that attachments are not accepted. FIG. 19 shows an example of an error message 205 “It is not a moving image / still image file”. When handling both video and still images, if other files are attached, the sender is notified, and when only videos (still images) are handled, other files are attached. Notify the sender as an error message.

  In addition, when a user wants to send a video to a new recipient, selecting “Add / Edit Destination” in FIG. 18 displays the add / edit destination screen in FIG. The sender inputs new recipient information and waits for approval. In addition, when inputting personal information such as address, name, etc., it is only necessary to switch from the screen of FIG. 20 to the screen of FIG. 12 and set items for inputting such information.

(5) Video format conversion (step S106)
In the case of a moving image, the file format stored on the PC 10 is not necessarily a file format that can be reproduced as it is on the television 20 even if it can be reproduced on the PC. In order to convert to a file format that can be displayed on a television, the server 30 converts the video format.

  Video files are generally structured as follows. First, there are a video elementary stream in which a video signal is compression-encoded and an audio elementary stream in which an audio signal is compressed. Next, they are packetized and multiplexed (multiplexed) to form a system stream. This system stream is a moving image file. At this time, rights information and other auxiliary information regarding video and audio may be multiplexed together in the system stream.

  When the file format stored in the PC 10 is converted into a file format that can be displayed on a television, the process is performed as follows. First, a system stream in a format stored in the PC 10 is demultiplexed (demultiplexed) to obtain each elementary stream of video and audio. Next, the elementary stream of the video is decoded and subsequently re-encoded to an elementary stream in a code format that can be handled by the television. Similarly, the audio is decoded and re-encoded. Next, the video and audio elementary streams obtained as a result of the re-encoding are multiplexed and created as a system stream in a format that can be handled by the television. In this way, the file format stored in the PC 10 is converted into a moving image file in a file format that can be displayed on the television.

(6) Video reception and viewing (step S107)
The receiver selects the video delivery service on the screen of FIG. 15, and displays the received mail list display screen of FIG. 24 via the sender approval screen of FIG. If the desired mail is selected by moving the cursor to any of icons # 1 to # 9 using the remote controller and the enter button is pressed, the list of images shown in FIG. 25 is displayed when the selected mail is a set of still images. A screen is displayed. When the user moves to any of icons # 1 to # 9 and selects a desired image, the selected image is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when the video content selected in FIG. 24 is a moving image, the moving image is reproduced on the entire screen. Of course, a moving image may be displayed on a part of the screen as shown in FIG.

(7) Downloading and Erasing Video If the television 20 has a recording device 26 such as an HDD, video content in the server 30 can be downloaded and recorded. When “Select and download” is selected in FIG. 24, the download selection screen in FIG. 27 is displayed. If the receiver selects the desired icon and presses the execute button, the confirmation screen of FIG. 28 is displayed. If “Yes” is selected, the download execution screen of FIG. 29 is displayed and stored in the HDD. The When the process ends normally, the download end screen shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. When the process ends abnormally, the fact that the download has failed is displayed on the screen.

  In this embodiment, since the authority to delete the content is given to the recipient, “Select to Trash” is displayed in FIG. If this button is pressed, it is possible to select the icon and delete the content in the same procedure as the download.

  Of course, it is possible to give the sender the authority to delete the content. What is necessary is just to delete the video file deposited in the server from the operation history of the PC by the sender. In the above (5), the video conversion process in the server 30 has been described. In accordance with this conversion process, the erasure considers which type of file should be erased at what timing. Consider an example in which a PC format is converted from a file A to a television format B for one video file. After storing A and converting it into B, the server 30 updates the unread mail check table in FIG. 5 and the content management table in FIG. 8 to allow the recipient to view. According to the timing at which the sender issues an erasure command, the following processing should be performed.

(A) If the file is still A, A is deleted and the conversion process is not performed.
(B) If the conversion from A to B is in progress, the conversion process is stopped, and A and B being created are also deleted.
(C) When conversion to B is completed, A and B are deleted, and the unread mail check file and content management table are updated.

  As described above, erasing a file can give authority to the sender, the recipient, or both.

(8) Temporary refusal of receipt (step S107) When “sender list” is selected in FIG. 24, the sender list screen of FIG. 31 is displayed. Also, in FIG. 16, if “Never decide” is selected without approval or rejection, a video delivery service is selected, and if “Sender list” is selected in FIG. 24, information of senders waiting for approval is also included. Is displayed in FIG. The owner of this television is in a state of receiving a request for approval from Taro as a sender, after having approved Goro and Hanako as senders and then temporarily refusing reception from Hanako. When the determination button is pressed while the cursor is on the tallow, the sender approval screen shown in FIG. 32 is displayed, and “O = Approve” or “× = Reject” is selected. Further, when the determination button is pressed while Goro has the cursor, the reception stop screen shown in FIG. 33 is displayed, and the state of “receive video” can be changed to the state of “not receive video”. On the other hand, when the enter button is pressed in the state where the cursor is on Hanako in FIG. 31, a screen for Hanako is displayed as in FIG. 32, and the state is changed from “not receiving video” to “receiving video”. Is possible.

  In this embodiment, it is not necessary to input a password on the TV screen, but it goes without saying that when the sender is approved on the TV screen, the receiver can set the password. You can use it to temporarily refuse to receive a video or to have your password entered when you accept it. If the sender decides to lock the parental lock according to the video, the video can be viewed without sending the parental lock and entering the password set by the receiver. It becomes. It is of course possible to operate the sender so that if the sender sends a mail with a password set, the recipient cannot view without entering the password. FIG. 19 shows an example in which items for setting a password and setting a parental lock are added.

In this embodiment, the sender uploads to the server 30 using the mobile phone 50.
In the content distribution system shown in FIG. 1, the sender can register as a member and transmit it to the television 20 of the recipient who has approved the video shot by the mobile phone 50. In this case, the video is uploaded using mail software installed on the mobile phone. The reason is that, as in the case of (4), it is possible to upload the video file to the server 30 by designating the destination without actually using e-mail, but the specifications differ depending on the carrier and mobile phone manufacturer. Since the possibility is high, it can be considered that many test man-hours occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, a unique specification is avoided, and a video file is sent to the server 30 by using mail software installed in the mobile phone as much as possible.

  First, the sender registers the mobile phone 50 as a transmission terminal from the PC 10. When “Register / Edit Mobile Phone” on the left side of the screen of FIGS. 18 and 19 is selected, the mobile phone registration screen of FIG. 21 is displayed. Here, it is shown that the mail addresses of nine mobile phones are registered for one sender ID. Considering the number of family members and the ownership of multiple mobile phones by one person, registration of up to 10 addresses is permitted. Enter the e-mail address of the mobile phone and the name of the owner in the blank, and press the send button.

As a transmission method using a mobile phone, plan 1, plan 2 and plan 3 are possible.
<Plan 1> A method of assigning e-mail addresses to all recipients.
FIG. 22 is a PC screen for obtaining a URL for accessing the server 30 from the mobile phone 50. The following three methods are conceivable.

(A) The URL is transmitted to the mobile phone 30 by e-mail. When the check box of the mobile phone 50 that the user wants to send a URL in FIG. 22 is selected, the server 30 transmits the URL for logging in to the mobile phone 50.
(B) The QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the PC screen, and the mobile phone 50 reads this code to obtain the URL.
(C) Manually input the URL from the mobile phone 50.

  The mobile phone 30 can obtain and input the URL in (a) to (c). A Web screen for accepting access from the mobile phone 50 is prepared in the server 30, and the mobile phone 30 accesses this URL and logs in.

  FIG. 23 displays a screen for logging in using the mobile phone 50. Log in with the user ID and password obtained for the video delivery service. The server 30 displays a list of recipients that the sender can send from the sender DB 34. Here, the device ID is not displayed, but the name of the receiver registered by the sender (“name of this destination” in FIG. 12) is displayed. The server 30 assigns e-mail addresses corresponding to each receiver in advance and stores them in the sender DB 34 and the receiver DB 35. When the sender selects a destination from those displayed on the screen of the mobile phone 50, the mailer is activated, and the mail address of this person is entered in TO (destination). The following is a method of sending an e-mail, and sending an e-mail with a video file attached. Since there is no mail software on the television, the video file is actually sent to the server 30. The server 30 determines the device ID sent from the recipient's email address and recipient DB. Hereinafter, the server 30 keeps the video file.

<Draft 2> A method of realizing the mail address with only one server 30.
The plan 1 is to assign mail addresses to all recipients, but the plan 2 is to have only one mail address of the server 30. 6 and 7 describe the recipient e-mail address, but it does not exist in plan 2. When the recipient P1 to P9 is selected in FIG. 23, no matter who is selected, the mail address of the server 30 is designated as the destination and the mailer of the mobile phone is activated. The server 30 recognizes the recipients P1 to P9, searches the recipient DB for the device ID of the other party that the sender wants to send, and describes the recipient's device ID in the mail text. When the mail arrives at the server 30, the device ID written in the mail text is recognized and the video file is stored.

<Draft 3> A method in which the e-mail address of the recipient is sent to the mobile phone.
As in plan 1, email addresses are assigned to all recipients. However, in plan 3, the server 30 does not prepare a Web screen for accepting access from the mobile phone 30, and only the mail software of the mobile phone 30 has a video file. Send. Check the check box of the mobile phone that you want to use for transmission as shown in FIG. 22, and prepare a button “send destination email address used for transmission from mobile phone to mobile phone” (not shown in FIG. 22) . When the sender presses this button, the server 30 searches the sender DB for recipients that the sender can send, and the recipient's email address assigned by the server 30 to the selected mobile phone and the recipient's email address. Name is sent. The sender selects an e-mail address from the mobile phone and activates the mailer.

  In Plan 1 and Plan 3, although the TV does not have mail software, the sender sends the mail in the same procedure as that for sending the mail, but actually sends it to the server 30. It is desirable that the e-mail address assigned to these televisions can be easily changed by the sender for security protection. When “Add / Edit Destination” displayed on the left side of the screen in FIGS. 21 and 22 is selected, FIG. 20 is displayed. In this screen, the destination ID, the destination name is changed, deleted, and (assigned from the server 30). E) You can change your email address. Also in the case of plan 2, when starting the mailer, it is desirable to periodically change the address of the server 30 and inform the sender.

  As for the transmission from the mobile phone 30, an example using standard mail software from the viewpoint of test man-hours is described. On the other hand, in the case of uploading from a PC, an example has been described in which a Web screen that accepts access from a PC is prepared in the server 30 and a video file is transmitted on that screen. This is easier to use because the order of video files can be changed, and typical scenes in each file are displayed as thumbnails. Needless to say, the mail software installed in the PC 10 may be used in the case of sending by the PC 10 as well as the mobile phone 30.

  In this embodiment, a charging method for the “video delivery service” will be described. There are both flat-rate and pay-as-you-go pricing plans. In the flat rate system, up to a fixed capacity is a fixed price, and if a predetermined fee is paid for one month, a hard disk with a predetermined capacity can be allocated. On the other hand, in the case of a pay-as-you-go system, how much is once. For example, it is possible to use an operation method in which 500 yen is set up to 5 GB at a time, and the receiver 30 looks unclear, but the server 30 forcibly erases in two weeks. Since the operator wants to use the hard disk capacity efficiently, there is a merit that the stored content is delivered to the receiver quickly, and the server 30 can be operated efficiently if the receiver deletes it. Therefore, in the case of the pay-as-you-go system, the content management table of FIG. 8 is checked before displaying the screen of FIG. 24, the video file deposited with pay-per-use is specified, and “ You can also display the message "If you delete it, the deposit cost will be cut by half." Recipients who have a TV with a built-in hard disk can download the program quickly and delete it, so that the sender can save money and the operator can operate the hard disk efficiently.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the sender is charged, but the receiver can also be charged. In this case, in the case of temporary user registration, one of three methods, (1) sender billing, (2) receiver billing, and (3) the sender is the basic but the receiver billing when the period is extended. You just have to choose. In the case of (2) and (3), before the main registration, the recipient should mail the documents and have the procedure for debiting the account, registering the credit card number, and the expiration date. When FIG. 24 is displayed, “expiration date ** until the month and day” is displayed on the video file whose expiration date is approaching in FIG. 8, and the cursor is placed on the video file after the receiver plays it. In a certain state, it is also possible to display the message “Do you want to change to receiver billing? At the time of provisional registration, if (2) Recipient Billing, (3) Recipient Billing if the period is extended is selected, the billing procedure is completed and executed as it is. (1) Sender Billing If only the above procedure is performed, it is possible to switch to receiver billing. This is an effective method when the receiver's television does not have a hard disk, but the receiver wants to pay if there is an image he / she wants to watch a little more.

  Needless to say, courses can be changed by the operation of the PC 10 (flat-rate system, pay-as-you-go system) or members can be withdrawn.

  The accounting method can be similarly applied to an embodiment using a server configuration described later.

  FIG. 34 is an example of an overall configuration diagram showing a content distribution system according to the present embodiment. This system includes a transmission side terminal (PC 10), a reception side terminal (TV 20), a distribution server (distribution server 30) that relays content distribution between them, and an authentication server (authentication server 70) such as the Internet. It is configured to be connected to the network 4. Then, the video content owned by the sender is transmitted via the distribution server 30 from the PC 10 having the mail software to the television 20 not having the mail software. Hereinafter, the content distribution service performed by the center 3 (distribution server 30) is referred to as a “video delivery service”.

  A sender in the sender's home 1 copies video content (hereinafter also referred to as a video file or video) taken by the video camera 11 or the digital camera 12 to the PC 10. Connected to the network 4 via a router (not shown), the video is deposited in the distribution server 30 in the center 3. The distribution server 30 keeps the video from the sender (PC 10) and waits for access from the television 20 of the receiver's house 2 designated by the sender. The TV 20 connects to the authentication server 70 in the center 3 via the router and the network 4 (here, it is assumed that it operates as an entrance for all services, but there may be another dedicated entrance server), When the receiver selects “video delivery service”, the TV 20 receives the one-time ID from the authentication server 70 simultaneously with the URL of the service, connects to the distribution server 30 of the “video delivery service”, and sets the one-time ID. hand over. The distribution server 30 passes the one-time ID received from the television 20 to the authentication server 70, receives the device ID of the receiver, and if the distribution server 30 matches the device ID of the receiver deposited from the sender, the distribution server 30 displays the video. Is sent and displayed on the screen of the television 20. Thereafter, the recipient can select and receive the video for viewing. If the television 20 has a built-in recording device (for example, a hard disk), video can be downloaded.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the device ID of each television 20 is used as an address in order to identify the television 20 that is a receiving terminal. Note that the sender can transmit not only the PC 10 at home but also a video file captured by the mobile phone 50 registered in advance to the distribution server 30 via the network 4, which is the same as in the fifth embodiment. I will explain it.

  Next, the internal configuration of the distribution server 30, the authentication server 70, and the television 20 will be described in detail. The internal configuration of the distribution server 30 is the same as the server 30 in FIG. The network transmission / reception unit 31 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the authentication server 70, the PC 10, and the television 20 via the network.

  The member information management unit 32 includes databases and tables such as an unread mail check table 33, a sender DB 34, a receiver DB 35, a television device DB 36, and a content management table 37. We keep custody information. When there is an access from the PC 10 or the television 20, the related database or table is referred to and processing such as confirmation and registration of member information is performed.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the authentication server 70.

  The network transmission / reception unit 71 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the distribution server 30, the PC 10, and the television 20 via the network.

  The member information management unit 72 has a database and a table of the television device DB 76 and the one-time ID management table 77, and stores information on the television device and subscribed service information. When there is an access from the television 20 or a service server (for example, the distribution server 30), processing such as confirmation and registration of device information is performed with reference to related databases and tables.

  At the first access from the television 20, the device ID is registered. When a service is selected, the device ID and the selected service ID are linked and registered in the television device DB.

  For example, when member temporary registration is executed from the sender's PC 10 to the distribution server 30, information such as a device ID and a user ID is registered in the unread mail check table 33. When the sender approval process is executed from the television 20, the contents of the sender DB 34 and the receiver DB 35 are updated according to the contents. When there is an access from the television 20, the one-time ID issued from the authentication server 70 is acquired from the television 20, the one-time ID is referred to the authentication server 70, and the device ID is obtained from the television 20. get. This procedure can also confirm whether the one-time ID is illegal at the same time. The acquired device ID is checked against the information in the TV device DB 36 to check whether the ID is a regular ID. If the device ID is illegal, it is detected at this point and the subsequent processing is rejected. The content management table 37 manages content stored by users and holds service contract items with each user.

  The content transmission / reception unit 38 receives video content from the PC 10 and transmits video content to the television 20. The content storage unit 39 stores video content to be transmitted and received. That is, the video content uploaded from the PC 10 is stored in the content storage unit 39, and when there is a video reception / viewing request or video download request from the television 20, the video content is received from the content storage unit 39. Read out and transmit to TV 20.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the television 20. The network transmitting / receiving unit 21 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the authentication server 70 and the distribution server 30 via the network. The browser unit 22 draws screen information such as a mail screen or an approval screen in accordance with information described in a format such as HTML or BML transmitted from the authentication server 70 or the distribution server 30 and outputs the screen information to the display unit 27. The moving image reproduction unit 23 decodes a still image or a moving image file included in the content transmitted from the distribution server 30, reproduces it as a still image or a moving image, and outputs it to the display unit 27.

  The device ID notification processing unit 24 reads the device ID information assigned to the television 20 from the device ID holding unit 25 and notifies the authentication server 70 of the device ID information. The device ID holding unit 25 stores and holds device ID information unique to the television 20. This device ID information is assigned to each terminal when the television 20 is manufactured, and is written in the device ID holding unit 25. When the user wants to know the device ID, it can be read out by remote control operation and displayed on the display unit 27, for example.

  The content recording unit 26 is, for example, a hard disk recording device, and downloads and stores video content received from the distribution server 30. The user can read the stored video when necessary and view it through the video playback unit 23. The recording unit 26 may be internal or external. The display unit 27 displays the video and information output from the browser 22, the moving image playback unit 23, and the device ID notification processing unit 24 on the screen.

  The processing flow of the content distribution service (video delivery service) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing of the present embodiment is almost the same as the processing of the first embodiment, and only the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. In the flow of FIG. 4, the server 30 in the first embodiment is read as the distribution server 30.

  Steps S101 to 106 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Step S107: When the receiver accesses the authentication server 70 from the television 20, a one-time ID is issued from the authentication server 70, and is transmitted when accessing the distribution server 30, and the distribution server 30 transmits the television to the authentication server 70. The one-time ID received from 20 is transmitted, the device ID is inquired, and this device ID is received. The distribution server 30 checks the unread mail check table 33 from this device ID. If an unread mail flag is set for the device ID of the accessed television 20, it means that the recipient has not received the mail (video content) yet. In that case, the distribution server 30 notifies the television 20 that the video has arrived. The receiver selects a desired video, receives the video from the distribution server 30, and views it on the television 20.

Steps S108 to S109 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the service construction by the server configuration according to the present embodiment, in addition to the advantages of the server configuration of the first embodiment, there are the following advantages.
(D) By setting up an authentication server as a management server dedicated for television equipment, high load processing can be left to the added service server, and various services can be added.
(E) By managing the device ID with the authentication server, the information managed by the authentication server is simple and no waste, and the distribution server can concentrate on managing the information dedicated to the service. Disappears. This facilitates service management.
(F) Unification of access from TV equipment (in this embodiment, the authentication server is used as an entrance) can not only prevent unauthorized services, but also ensure that services are handled by the authentication server. By referring to the device ID, it is possible to provide a safe service by double checking.

  Hereinafter, each process of the content distribution service of FIG. 4 will be described in detail. The processing of the present embodiment is almost the same as the processing of the first embodiment, and only the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

(1) Notification of device ID and URL (step S101)
In addition to the first embodiment, in the authentication server 70 according to the present embodiment, the member information management unit 72 in FIG. The device ID before conversion held by the device ID holding unit 25 of the television 20 can be restored. The member information management unit 72 registers the restored device ID in the database at the first access. FIG. 36 shows an example of the television equipment DB. The TV device DB manages each device ID and the service ID used. Further, the one-time ID used for the device ID inquiry from the distribution server 30 is issued and managed by the member information management unit 72 as a unique ID linked to the device ID and the service ID. FIG. 37 shows the one-time ID management table.

  The TV owner tells the other party (family, friends, relatives, etc.) who wants to send the video the phone's conversion device ID and the URL of the service provider's portal (server) by telephone or fax. As a member.

(2) Member temporary registration (step S102)
The sender performs member registration (temporary registration) to the “video delivery service” based on the conversion device ID acquired from the receiver and the URL of the server. It is assumed that a browser 22 is mounted on the sender's PC 10 and the following operations are performed by the browser. Access the URL from the PC 10 and register as a member. The distribution server 60 restores the conversion device ID input by the sender to the device ID and registers it. 9 to 14 show display screens at the time of member registration. In this display screen, the term “destination ID” that is easily understood by the user is used instead of the conversion device ID. Hereinafter, “destination ID” has the same meaning as “conversion device ID”. Since other member registration is the same as that in the first embodiment, it is omitted.

(3) Recipient approval and member registration (steps S103 and S104)
When the receiver approves the sender, the sender performs the main registration from the temporary member registration, and the distribution server 30 adds the contents to the sender DB 34 and the receiver DB 35.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the sender DB. The contents of provisional registration from the user ID to the date of birth, the device ID of the receiver's TV that has been approved (permitted to transmit) with the number of recipients = 1 at the time of final registration (entered during provisional registration) The converted device ID is converted to the device ID). Others are the same as in the first embodiment.
(4) Upload video file from PC (step S105)
Uploading is the same as in the first embodiment.

(5) Video format conversion (step S106)
+ Video conversion is the same as in the first embodiment.

(6) Video reception and viewing (step S107)
The receiver connects to the authentication server 70 (which also serves as a portal site in this case) on the television 20. The television 20 encrypts and transmits data obtained by combining the device ID and the authentication data to the authentication server 70. The authentication data here is, for example, information indicating the type of device such as the manufacturer name and model number of the television 20, and in this embodiment, the information indicating the type of device is called a model ID. The authentication server 70 extracts the authentication data and the device ID from the encrypted data, and checks whether the conditions for connection are satisfied (whether it is a connectable model and whether it is a registered device ID). To do. When the connection is refused, an error is returned to the television 20, and when the connection is permitted, the top page (screen of FIG. 15) is transmitted and displayed on the television 20.

  When the receiver selects the video delivery service on this screen, the URL of the distribution server 30 necessary for the television 20 to connect to the service from the authentication server 70 and the one-time ID issued by the authentication server 70 (this is When a request is received from the TV 20 or the like, a unique ID is issued by the member information management 72 of the authentication server 70 and is also registered in the one-time ID management table 77. The TV 20 connects to the distribution server 30 based on this information and transmits a one-time ID.

  The distribution server 30 transmits this one-time ID to the authentication server 70, and the authentication server confirms this one-time ID in the one-time ID management table 77. Further, the authentication server 70 confirms the TV device DB 76 from the device identification ID that can be acquired in the one-time ID management table 77, confirms whether the device is a service ID corresponding to the service of the distribution server 30, and is unregistered. If there is, an error may be returned.

  If an error is returned from the authentication server 70, information indicating that connection cannot be established is returned to the television 20. If the device ID can be normally acquired from the authentication server 70, the device ID is referred to in the TV device DB 36, and if matching is established, information for displaying the sender approval screen FIG. 11 is transmitted to the TV.

  The authentication will be described in detail later. The television 20 displays the received mail list display screen of FIG. 24 via the sender approval screen of FIG. If the desired mail is selected by moving the cursor to any of icons # 1 to # 9 using the remote controller and the enter button is pressed, the list of images shown in FIG. 25 is displayed when the selected mail is a set of still images. A screen is displayed.

  When the user moves to any of icons # 1 to # 9 and selects a desired image, the selected image is enlarged and displayed as shown in FIG. Further, when the video content selected in FIG. 24 is a moving image, the moving image is reproduced on the entire screen. Of course, a moving image may be displayed on a part of the screen as shown in FIG.

(7) Downloading and deleting video images Downloading and deleting video images are the same as in the first embodiment.

  Also in the present embodiment, the sender can upload to the distribution server 30 using the mobile phone 50 as in the second embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, the server manages the device by the device ID, but the user notifies the user of the converted device ID and uses it, so that the sender can input the ID incorrectly and send the content to an unexpected user or device. There is a merit that there is no accident to send.

Here, the authentication process of the fourth embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an authentication flow of the content distribution service of this embodiment. First, the outline of the processing will be described in the order of steps.

  Step S201: When the recipient accesses the portal site, the receiving terminal (TV 20) combines the authentication data (for example, model ID indicating the type of device) and the device ID (for example, a device-specific ID, for example, a manufacturing number). Then, the data is transmitted to the authentication server 70 through a secure transmission path (for example, an SSL communication path). The COOKIE function of the browser of the receiving device may be used.

  Step S202: In the authentication server 70, the member information management unit 72 performs various processes. The authentication server 70 retrieves the authentication data, verifies whether the access device can use the service (COOKIE validity verification may be performed), and checks whether the device ID is registered in the TV device DB 76. To inquire. If it is determined that the device is illegal or unsupported, the fact is notified to the receiving terminal.

  For example, when the authentication data is a model ID indicating the type of device, if the model ID indicates the product of the company, it is determined that the service can be used. The model ID of the device that can use the service is stored in a model ID information DB (not shown) of the authentication server 70.

  In the television device DB 76, device IDs and service IDs are registered in association with each other, and it is inquired whether the service desired by the accessing user corresponds to the device ID of the television 20 used by the user. .

  The receiving terminal displays the authentication result to the user. If the confirmation is successful, the authentication server 70 issues a one-time ID used when making an inquiry from the distribution server 30. As a result, even if there is a terminal that accesses the information by misrepresenting a part of the information of the receiving terminal, it can be rejected and illegal use can be prevented.

  Step 203: The authentication server 70 holds this in the one-time ID management table 77, and transmits this one-time ID together with the URL information of the service server (for example, distribution server 30) selected by the user to the receiving terminal. If there is no access for a certain time, the one-time ID may be deleted from the table.

Step 204: The receiving terminal transmits the one-time ID received from the authentication server 70 when accessing the service server.
Step 205: In the distribution server 30, the member information processing unit 32 handles various processes. The distribution server 30 transmits this one-time ID to the authentication server 70.

  Step 206: The authentication server 70 refers to the table for the one-time ID received from the distribution server 30. If there is no registered one-time ID, the authentication server 70 returns an error, and if there is no registration, returns the device ID. Since it is invalidated for the second and subsequent accesses, the item related to the one-time ID that has been inquired earlier is deleted from the table. This enables secure authentication that avoids spoofing.

Step 207: The distribution server 30 refers to the device ID received from the authentication server 70 in the database, and starts providing the service to the receiving terminal if it can be confirmed that the user belongs to the service. That is, content distribution is started.
Step 208: The receiving terminal receives the content from the distribution server 30, and starts storing or reproducing.

In the embodiment described above, the device or user is authenticated by using the device ID as the ID managed by the authentication server 70. However, in the present embodiment, the device used by the user is replaced with a new device. A unique ID (hereinafter, device identification ID) generated using the ID is used. This has the following advantages.
(1) Prevent unauthorized use of equipment released by replacement by a third party.
(2) It is not necessary to manage unnecessary IDs on the server, and the database is prevented from being enlarged.
As described above, the operability of the system can be further improved. Therefore, an embodiment in the case of using this device identification ID will be described below.

  In the authentication server 70, the member information management unit 72 issues a unique device identification ID that does not overlap with other issued IDs as appropriate and registers it in the database (TV device DB 76). FIG. 39 shows an example of the television equipment DB. FIG. 40 shows an example of a one-time ID management table. The television device DB 76 manages device identification IDs, device IDs, and service IDs of services used by users. In the one-time ID management table, a device identification ID, a one-time ID, and a service ID are managed.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow regarding the device identification ID of the present embodiment. Each process will be described below in the order of steps.

  Step S301: The user accesses the authentication server 70 (also serving as the portal server here) to which the receiving terminal (TV 20) is connected in order to display an initial screen (FIG. 15) for using various services. The television 20 transmits the authentication data and the device ID to the authentication server 70.

  Step S302: The authentication server 70 refers to the content of the television device DB 76 based on the above information (authentication data and device ID of the television 20), confirms whether it has already been registered, and obtains initial screen information suitable for the receiving terminal. prepare.

Step S303: The authentication server 70 transmits the initial screen information to the television 20 here through the network transmission / reception unit 71. The television 20 receives this at the network reception unit 21 and displays it on the display unit 27 via the browser 22.
Step S304: The user selects issuance of device identification ID or deletion of device identification ID directly or via a menu or the like from the initial screen.

  Step S305: When the user selects issuance of device identification ID, the authentication server 70 issues a unique ID that does not overlap with other device identification IDs in the member information management 72, and the device ID received from the television 20 It is associated and registered in the television equipment DB 76. The authentication server 70 transmits screen information for notifying the device identification ID issued via the network transmission / reception unit 71 to the television 20. An example of a screen displayed on the television 20 is shown in FIG. The top page in the figure means the initial screen.

  Although not shown, if the user has not yet acquired the device identification ID, such as when using for the first time, the screen shown in FIG. 43 is displayed to prompt the user to acquire the device identification ID. good. When the user selects “acquire device identification ID” in the drawing, the authentication server 70 issues a device identification ID as described above. Note that the case where the user confirms the device identification ID for the convenience of notifying the sender or the like can also be performed here.

  Step S306: When the user selects the device identification ID deletion, the authentication server 70 transmits screen information for confirming the deletion to the television 20 via the network transmission / reception unit 71. An example of a screen displayed on the television 20 is shown in FIG. Initialization in the figure corresponds to deletion. Here, when the user selects “initialize”, the authentication server 70 deletes related information from the television device DB 76 for the device identification ID registered in the member information management 72. Although not shown, after deletion, a screen indicating deletion may be displayed on the television 20 or the initial screen may be returned. When the user selects “Do not initialize” on the screen shown in FIG. 44, the screen returns to the initial screen.

  Next, a service when the device identification ID is employed will be described. The overall configuration of the content distribution system according to this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the device identification ID of each television 20 is used as an address in order to identify the television 20 that is a receiving terminal. In addition, the ID transmitted to the authentication server 70, the distribution server 30, and the sender is also unified into the device identification ID. As a result, it is easy to cope with the case where the above-described user equipment is replaced, and high operability is maintained. In addition, the sender can transmit not only the PC 10 at home but also a video file captured by the mobile phone 50 registered in advance to the distribution server 30 via the network 4, which is the same as that in the fourth embodiment. The device ID of the system described in (1) is replaced with a device identification ID, and the description is omitted.

Next, the configuration of the internal database of the distribution server 30 and the authentication server 70 will be described.
FIG. 45 shows an example of the unread mail check table 33. In the table, a flag indicating whether or not there is a person waiting for approval as a sender for each device ID and whether or not a new video file is sent from the approved sender is provided. In this example, there are two senders requesting approval for the television having the device identification ID “1234567”, and their user IDs (ID1, ID2) are shown. In addition, a mail (actually video) from an approved user (ID1) has arrived, indicating that the receiver of the television has not yet read the mail.

  FIG. 46 shows an example of the sender DB. Contents of provisional registration from user ID to date of birth, device identification ID of receiver's TV who approved (permitted to send) reception with the number of recipients = 1 at the time of final registration (entered during provisional registration) Record). In addition, the credit card number, expiration date, and membership date entered by the user during the main registration are additionally registered. Since it may be transmitted from a mobile phone, only a field is provided and registered when added. The number of recipients = 3 in FIG. 46 is because the number of recipients increased by two after the main registration.

  FIG. 47 shows an example of the recipient DB, which is additionally registered during the main registration. Initially, the number of senders = 1 is set, and the user ID (in this case, user ID 5) of the sender permitted to send is registered. Thereafter, when another sender is permitted to transmit, the number of users is incremented, and the user ID (in this case, user ID 6) is added. Information identifying the individual of the recipient DB can be realized by only the name displayed as the device identification ID, but when considering changing to receiver billing in the future, the address, name, telephone number, year of birth Changing the date is easier if you enter the date. Such information may be input on the registration screen of FIG. FIG. 47 shows the contents added with these pieces of information. If the sender DB and receiver DB are additionally registered, the sender can send mail to the receiver.

  FIG. 48 shows the content management table. The device identification ID, the number of received files received for the recipient of the device identification ID, the file name, the sender user ID of the file, and the sender's The price plan that you are subscribed to and its expiration date are managed.

Other service utilization methods are the same as those in the above-described embodiment except that the device ID becomes the device identification ID.
As described above, the user, the authentication server, and the distribution server can be operated using only the device identification ID, the usability of the user is improved, and the management of the service provider is facilitated.

  The above-described system has an advantage that the management of the authentication server can be easily performed. However, when one user owns a plurality of devices, the convenience of using one device by a plurality of users (for example, sharing with a family member) is convenient. Not considered. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, a system that manages not only the device identification ID but also the member ID in order to cope with the above-described problem will be described below.

  The overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment is the same as FIG. 34 except that the authentication server 70 is changed to the authentication server 80. This system includes a transmission side terminal (PC 10), one or a plurality of reception side terminals (TV 20), a distribution server (distribution server 30) that relays content distribution between them, and an authentication server (authentication server 80). And connected to a network 4 such as the Internet. In the above-mentioned “video delivery service”, the video content owned by the sender is transmitted via the distribution server 30 from the PC 10 having the mail software to the television 20 having no mail software.

Next, the internal configuration of the authentication server 80 will be described in detail.
FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the authentication server 80.
The network transmission / reception unit 81 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the distribution server 30, the PC 10, and the television 20 via the network.

  The member information management unit 82 has a database and a table of a member DB 85, a TV device DB 86, and a one-time ID management table 87, and stores member information, TV device information, and subscribed service information. . When there is an access from the television 20 or a service server (for example, the distribution server 30), processing such as confirmation and registration of device information is performed with reference to related databases and tables.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing contents managed for the member DB 85.
The main member indicates a user who mainly uses the device and assumes the owner of the device. The main member ID, password, and device identification ID are managed. As the management DB, in consideration of future expansion, the credit card number and expiration date may be managed in preparation for the displayed name, address, name, telephone, date of birth, integrated billing service.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing contents managed for the television device DB 86.
The device ID, device ID, main member ID, and child member ID are managed.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing contents managed for the one-time ID management table 87.
The device identification ID, service ID, and one-time ID are managed.

The member information management unit 82 has a function of cross-referencing the DB and the table.
For example, the e-mail address used in the distribution service or the like is registered in the DB together with other information by the member information management unit 82 generating an address that combines the device identification ID and the member ID at the time of member registration. As a result, for example, by specifying a device identification ID and a member ID in a “video delivery service” or the like, a service that specifies a specific member among the members sharing the device and transmits a video is transmitted. It can be realized.

The member registration procedure will be described below.
As shown in the above-described embodiment, the user registers the device identification ID on the television 20. As for the service ID, when the service is selected, the device identification ID and the service ID of the selected service are linked and registered in the television device DB. The device identification ID is registered in the television device DB 86 through the operations so far.

  FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a processing flow relating to member ID registration of the present embodiment. Each process will be described below in the order of steps.

  Step S401: The user accesses the authentication server 80 (also serving as a portal server in this case) to which the receiving terminal (TV 20) is connected in order to display an initial screen (FIG. 15) for using various services. The television 20 transmits the authentication data and the device ID to the authentication server 80.

  Step S402: The authentication server 80 refers to the content of the television device DB 86 based on the above information (authentication data and device ID of the television 20), confirms whether it has already been registered, and obtains initial screen information suitable for the receiving terminal. prepare.

Step S403: The authentication server 80 transmits the initial screen information to the television 20 here through the network transmission / reception unit 81. The television 20 receives this at the network reception unit 21 and displays it on the display unit 27 via the browser 22.
Step S404: The user selects member ID registration or member ID deletion directly or via a menu or the like from the initial screen.

  Step S <b> 405: When the user selects member ID registration, the authentication server 80 transmits member ID registration screen information to the television 20 by the member information management 82. An example of a screen displayed on the television 20 is shown in FIG. The top page in the figure means the initial screen.

  Step S406: When the user inputs necessary items according to the screen and selects “Register” on the screen, the authentication server 80 registers the member ID in the member DB 85 and the television device DB 86 by the member information management 82. An example of this input screen is shown in FIG. Note that the user ID can also be checked here for the purpose of notifying the sender, for example. In the case of the first registration, the authentication server 80 may present a unique ID. If you are already a registered member, you may register by manually entering.

  Although not shown, when other personal information is input or collated with already registered information, the authentication server 80 transmits a screen corresponding to FIG. 52 presenting the registered member ID and presents it to the user. Also good. If the main member registration has not been completed, a mask display indicating that the authentication server 80 cannot register a child member or a screen with a message display is transmitted and displayed on the television 20 to make registration impossible.

  Step S407: When the user selects member deletion, the authentication server 80 checks the device identification ID of the television 20 in the member information management 82, and deletes the member information that can be deleted via the network transmission / reception unit 81. Screen information for confirmation is transmitted to the television 20.

  Step S408: An example of a screen displayed on the television 20 is shown in FIG. The top page in the figure means the initial screen. When the user selects “delete”, the authentication server 80 deletes the related information from the member DB 85 and the television device DB 86 for the member ID registered in the member information management 82. Although not shown, deletion may be reconfirmed by presenting a password input screen before executing deletion. After the deletion, a screen indicating the deletion may be displayed on the television 20 or the initial screen may be returned.

  As described above, the member information and the device identification ID are linked and managed by the authentication server 80, and a detailed service can be handled for each user while sharing the device. Further, when a single user owns a plurality of devices, it is possible to deal with services that are used across devices.

  In the present embodiment, the process using the device identification ID is described. However, the present invention can be realized even when the device identification ID is not used and only the device ID is processed. When the device identification ID is not used, the device ID is used for processing between the television 20, the authentication server, and the distribution server.

  Next, a service when the member ID and the device identification ID are adopted will be described below. When the sender specifies and transmits a member, the message can be received by inputting the member ID and password at the receiving device.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the device identification ID of each television 20 is used as an address in order to identify the television 20 that is a receiving terminal. By specifying information combining the device identification ID and the member ID as an address as the transmission destination information, it is possible to specify the device and perform transmission with the member specified. Further, the ID transmitted to the authentication server 80, the distribution server 30, and the sender is also unified into the device identification ID. As a result, it is easy to cope with the case where the above-described user equipment is replaced, and high operability is maintained. Note that the sender can transmit not only the PC 10 at home but also a video file captured by the mobile phone 50 registered in advance to the distribution server 30 via the network 4, which is the same as in the fifth embodiment. The device ID of the system described in (1) is replaced with a device identification ID, and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the sender in the “video delivery service” will be described below.
Although the basic flow is as described above, in particular, when transmitting to a member, it is necessary to input not only the device identification ID but also the member ID. (The operation when no member ID is entered is the same as described above.)
In the provisional member registration (step S102) in the processing of the content distribution service of FIG. 4, the screen shown in FIG. 57 is the device identification ID and member of the transmission destination TV in the service corresponding to the member ID in this embodiment. This is a screen for inputting an ID. In this display screen, the term “destination ID” that is easy for the user to understand is used instead of the device identification ID. “Destination ID” has the same meaning as “device identification ID”. In other screens, when the member ID is input, the member ID is displayed together with the destination ID. Since the operation procedure and the like are the same as described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

  The device ID, content (file name), and member ID are associated with each other and managed in the content management table. By specifying information that combines a device identification ID and a member ID as an address as transmission destination information, a content sender can specify a member having a specific member ID and transmit the content. These pieces of information are managed by a content management table.

  The distribution server 30 receives the member ID and password transmitted from the television 20 and transmits content corresponding to the member ID and the device ID to the television 20.

  The member ID can be notified to the distribution server 30 when content is distributed, but the member ID is notified to the authentication server 80 when accessed for the first time, and the authentication server 80 provides a one-time ID for each member ID. May be issued. If a one-time ID is issued for each member ID, not for each device ID, only a notification of the one-time ID is required when the television 20 makes a distribution request to the distribution server.

  Furthermore, when the member ID and the device identification ID are adopted, the portal server provides a content service (hereinafter referred to as message content) consisting of character information (hereinafter, message delivery in this embodiment). Will be described. The overall configuration diagram of the present embodiment is the same as FIG. 34 except that the authentication server 70 is changed to the authentication server 80. In this system, a transmission side terminal (PC 10), a reception side terminal (TV 20), and a center 3 (portal server comprising an authentication server 80) that relays message distribution between them are connected to a network 4 such as the Internet. Configured. Then, the data is transmitted from the PC 10 having mail software or Web browser software to the television 20 via the center 3. Hereinafter, the message distribution service performed by the center 3 is referred to as “notification service”.

  The above-described device identification ID and member ID will be described as being registered in the above-described embodiment.

  A sender in the sender's home 1 operates the PC 10 connected to the network 4 via a router (not shown), accesses a page prepared by mail software or the authentication server 80, and sends a message to the authentication server 80. Send. The authentication server 80 keeps a message from the sender (PC 10) and waits for access from the television 20 of the receiver's house 2 designated by the sender.

  The TV 20 is connected to the authentication server 80 in the center 3 via the router and the network 4 (here, it is described as operating as an entrance for all services, but there may be another dedicated entrance server), When the recipient selects “notification service”, the authentication server 80 sends a message indicating that “notification” has arrived and displays it on the screen of the television 20.

  Thereafter, the recipient can select and receive the “notification” and confirm the contents. If the television 20 has a built-in recording device (for example, a hard disk), messages can be downloaded. In particular, when the sender specifies and transmits a member, the message can be received by inputting a password corresponding to the member ID at the receiving device.

  In the system of the present embodiment, the device identification ID of each television 20 is used as an address in order to identify the television 20 that is a receiving terminal. By specifying information combining the device identification ID and the member ID as an address as the transmission destination information, it is possible to specify the device and perform transmission with the member specified. Further, the ID transmitted to the authentication server 80 and the sender is also unified to the device identification ID.

  Thus, if the device identification ID of the device used by the recipient is registered in the authentication server 80, the authentication server 80 refers to the database, and the receiver is not directly linked to the device identification ID and registered. Even in such a case, a message can be transmitted by searching for the identification of the device to which it belongs, and the receiver can receive it, thereby providing an easy-to-use message delivery service.

  The sender can transmit to the authentication server 80 via the network 4 not only from the home PC 10 but also from the mobile phone 50.

  Further, this service may be realized by preparing a dedicated service server as shown in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the operation procedure and the flow between the servers are the same as the above-mentioned “video delivery service”, so that it is possible to limit users, and it is possible to provide a safer service that can handle a wider variety of data. Here, it is assumed that simple character information is used as the notification, and a configuration in which a message and a sender management function are added to the database managed by the authentication server will be described.

  As the simplest configuration, an operation screen is transmitted to a device used by a sender by utilizing a function (for example, an HTTP server function) used when the authentication server 80 transmits an initial screen or the like as a portal server. It is a method to do. Since the entrance of a normal recipient also serves as device authentication, a dedicated entrance is prepared for the PC 10 or the mobile phone 50.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of transmission of the “notification service” in the present embodiment. Each process will be described below in the order of steps.
Step S501: The sender accesses the “notification service” transmission page of the authentication server 80 on the PC 10.
Step S502: The authentication server 80 transmits “notification” input page information to the terminal PC 10 of the sender.

  Step S503: The PC 10 displays the “notification service” transmission page received from the authentication server 80, and the sender inputs a message and a transmission destination (device identification ID and member ID) thereto. The screen shown in FIG. 59 is a message input screen for inputting a device identification ID and a member ID of a transmission destination television in the service corresponding to the member ID in this embodiment.

  In this display screen, the term “destination ID” that is easy for the user to understand is used instead of the device identification ID. “Destination ID” has the same meaning as “device identification ID”. After the sender inputs, the send button is selected and the PC 10 sends the message to the authentication server 80. Here, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 60 may be displayed to confirm the sender and then transmit.

  Step S504: The authentication server 80 registers the message received from the sender's terminal (PC 10).

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the authentication server 80. However, the television equipment DB 86 in the figure is replaced with the television equipment DB 96 in the present embodiment.
The network transmission / reception unit 31 is connected to the external network 4 and communicates with the PC 10 and the television 20 via the network.

  The member information management unit 92 has a database and a table of a member DB 85, a TV device DB 96, and a one-time ID management table 87, and stores member information, TV device information, and subscribed service information. . When there is an access from the PC 10 or the television 20, processing such as confirmation and registration of device information is performed with reference to related databases and tables.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing contents managed for the television device DB 96.
The device ID, the device ID, the main member ID, the child member ID, and the message registered in the “notification service” and its sender information (for example, e-mail address) are managed.
As described above, the authentication server 80 completes registration of the message from the sender using the “notification service”.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of reception of the “notification service” in the present embodiment. Each process will be described below in the order of steps.
Step S601: The user accesses the authentication server 80 to which the user is connected at the receiving terminal (TV 20). The television 20 transmits the authentication data and the device ID to the authentication server 80.

  Step S602: The authentication server 80 refers to the content of the television device DB 96 based on the above information (authentication data and device ID of the television 20), confirms whether it has already been registered, and obtains initial screen information suitable for the receiving terminal. prepare.

  Step S603: The authentication server 80 searches the TV device DB 96 for the device ID received in the above step, and acquires the main member ID related to the device ID. The member DB 85 is searched from the main member ID, and all related device identification IDs are acquired. The TV device DB 96 is searched again, and the message and sender information regarding all the acquired device identification IDs are acquired.

  If there is no message, the process proceeds to step S604. If there is such a message, the process proceeds to step S605.

  Step S604: The normal initial screen (FIG. 15) information is transmitted to the television 20 here via the network transmitting / receiving unit 31. The television 20 receives this at the network reception unit 21 and displays it on the display unit 27 via the browser 22.

  Step S605: If there are a plurality of such messages, the “notification” message list screen information shown in FIG. 63 is transmitted to the television 20 via the network transmission / reception unit 31. The television 20 receives this at the network reception unit 21 and displays it on the display unit 27 via the browser 22. When the recipient selects a desired message, the “notice” message display screen shown in FIG. 64 is displayed.

If there is only one message, the “notice” message display screen of FIG. 64 may be displayed without going through the list screen of FIG.
If the message is for a specific member, the “Notification” message display in FIG. 64 is displayed only when the user enters the correct password corresponding to his / her member ID via the password input screen in FIG. A screen may be displayed.

  Even when the message exists, a message list or a message display screen may be displayed via the normal initial screen (FIG. 15).

As described above, the following effects can be obtained.
For example, if there are a plurality of TVs 20 at the home of a user who is a receiver (the sender and the receiver may be the same), the TV 20 in the living room is TV A, and the TV 20 in the study is TV B. . Even when the sender transmits a “notification” message to the device identification ID of the television B, the message can be received if the user accesses the portal server with the television A in the living room.

  If the authentication server 80 provides a dedicated entrance for the TV that supports the “notification service” of the present embodiment, even if the user is watching the TV, the TV accesses the dedicated entrance in the background to send a message. It is possible to realize a function of receiving and superimposing it on a television screen for display.

  Further, an embodiment in which the “notification service” when the member ID and the device identification ID are adopted is applied to the “video delivery service” will be described below.

  The overall configuration diagram of the content distribution system is the same as that of FIG. 34 except that the authentication server 70 is changed to the authentication server 80. This system includes a transmission side terminal (PC 10), a transmission side terminal (cellular phone 50), a reception side terminal (television 20), a distribution server (distribution server 30) that relays content distribution between them, and an authentication server ( An authentication server 80) is connected to the network 4 such as the Internet. In the above-mentioned “video delivery service”, the video content owned by the sender is transmitted via the distribution server 30 from the PC 10 having mail software or the mobile phone 50 to the television 20 having no mail software.

  In step S105 of the processing flow of the content distribution service (video delivery service) shown in FIG. 4, it can be realized by performing the following processing.

  The sender operates the PC 10 to designate a recipient who has approved the transmission, and transmits (uploads) the video captured by the video camera 11 or the digital camera 12 to the distribution server 30. The distribution server 30 stores the video sent from the PC 10 in the content storage unit 39. And it keeps until there is a reception request from the designated recipient. At the same time, a “notification” message is sent to the authentication server 80 indicating that the content has been deposited to the device identification ID.

  As described above, the user can access the portal server at the receiving terminal and know that there is content received by the “video delivery service” when using the “notification service”.

  Further, in step S603 of the processing flow when receiving the “notification service” of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 62, a message is transmitted only when the recipient uses this service by performing the following processing. You can also.

  The authentication server 80 searches the TV device DB 96 for the device ID received in the above step, and acquires a main member ID related to the device ID. The member DB 85 is searched from the main member ID, and all related device identification IDs are acquired. The TV device DB 96 is searched again, and all the acquired device identification IDs are extracted by the service ID of this service, and related messages and sender information are acquired.

  By the above, the user accesses the portal server at the receiving terminal, and only when the member ID related to the receiving terminal user when using the “notification service” has a member ID using the “video delivery service”. You can know that there is content received by "Video Delivery Service".

  A content distribution system in which a transmission terminal, a reception terminal, and a distribution server are connected via a network, and content is transmitted from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server, wherein the distribution server is a device that identifies the reception terminal It has a database in which IDs are registered, a content storage unit that temporarily stores content transmitted from the transmitting terminal, and a table that manages the content separately for each device ID and sender of the receiving terminal. When requested by the receiving terminal, the distribution server refers to the table and transmits the content whose destination is the device ID of the receiving terminal to the receiving terminal.

  According to the first to seventh embodiments, it is a content distribution method for transmitting content transmitted from a transmission terminal to a reception terminal via the distribution server, and registers a device ID for identifying the reception terminal in the distribution server. The distribution server stores the content transmitted from the transmission terminal separately for each device ID of the reception terminal of the transmission destination, and when the distribution server makes a request from the reception terminal, the device ID of the reception terminal is the transmission destination Content to be transmitted to the receiving terminal.

  A distribution server that stores content transmitted from a transmission terminal and transmits the content to a reception terminal, a database in which a device ID that identifies the reception terminal is registered, and a content storage unit that temporarily stores content transmitted from the transmission terminal And a table for managing the content separately for each device ID and sender of the receiving terminal, and when a request is received from the receiving terminal, the table is referred to, and the content for which the device ID of the receiving terminal is the transmission destination Is transmitted to the receiving terminal.

  In addition, a receiving terminal that receives content transmitted from a transmitting terminal via a distribution server, a device ID holding unit that holds a device ID that identifies the receiving terminal, and a content to be received or a sender of the content It has a selection unit for selecting and a display unit for displaying the received content, and notifies the distribution server of the device ID of the reception terminal, so that a list of contents addressed to the reception terminal stored in the distribution server or transmission Acquire and display the user list.

  A content distribution system in which a transmission terminal, a reception terminal, a distribution server, and an authentication server are connected via a network, and content is transmitted from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server. It has a database in which device IDs for identifying terminals are registered, a content storage unit that temporarily stores content transmitted from the transmission terminal, and a table for managing the content separately for each device ID and sender of the reception terminal. The authentication server stores user information such as a device ID owned by the user and a service ID, and temporarily issues and stores a one-time ID, and has a table for associating this with user information. When requested by the receiving terminal, the distribution server refers to the table, receives authentication from the authentication server to determine whether the device ID of the receiving terminal is a valid ID, and then receives the content that is the destination Send to the terminal.

  In addition, in order to transmit the content transmitted from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server, the device ID that identifies the reception terminal is registered in the distribution server, and the distribution server is transmitted from the transmission terminal. Content is stored separately for each device ID of the receiving terminal of the transmission destination, and when the distribution server receives a request from the receiving terminal, the authentication server issues the content for which the device ID of the receiving terminal is the transmission destination The one-time ID is received from the receiving device, authenticated by the authentication server using the one-time ID, and then transmitted to the receiving terminal.

  Also, in the authentication method, the distribution server that stores the content transmitted from the transmitting terminal and transmits it to the receiving terminal temporarily stores the database in which the device ID for identifying the receiving terminal is registered and the content transmitted from the transmitting terminal. Authentication server using a one-time ID issued by the authentication server when there is a request from the receiving terminal. After receiving the authentication, the device ID table is referred to for the received device ID, and the content whose destination is the device ID of the receiving terminal is transmitted to the receiving terminal.

  Also, the authentication server has a table for confirming the service corresponding to the user information from the authentication data received from the device and the information including the device ID, and issues a one-time ID for the distribution server to authenticate and The relationship with the receiving device is temporarily stored, and authentication is performed when the receiving terminal receives the content transmitted from the transmitting terminal via the distribution server.

  In addition, the distribution server includes a device ID holding unit that holds a device ID that identifies the receiving terminal, a selection unit that selects a content to be received or a sender of the content, and a display unit that displays the received content. The receiving device notifies the authentication server of the authentication data and device ID of the receiving terminal, receives the one-time ID, and transmits it to the distribution server, so that the distribution server transmits the one-time ID to the authentication server. The receiving device ID is received. The receiving device acquires and displays the content list or sender list addressed to the receiving terminal stored in the distribution server.

4 ... Network,
10 ... transmitting terminal (PC),
20 ... receiving terminal (TV),
21 ... Network transmitter / receiver,
22 ... Browser part
23 ... Video playback unit,
27 ... display section,
24 ... Device ID notification processing unit,
25: Device ID holding unit,
26. Content recording section,
30 ... distribution server,
31 ... Network transmission / reception unit,
32. Member information management department,
33 ... Unread mail check table,
34 ... Sender DB,
35 ... Receiver DB,
36 ... TV equipment DB,
37 ... Content management table,
38 ... content transmission / reception unit,
39: Content storage unit,
50 ... Cellular phone 70 ... Authentication server,
72. Member information management department,
76 ... TV equipment DB,
77 ... One-time ID management table,
80: Authentication server,
82 ... Member Information Management Department,
85 ... Member DB,
86 ... TV equipment DB,
87 ... One-time ID management table,

Claims (6)

In a content distribution system in which a transmission terminal and a reception terminal are connected to a distribution server via a network, and video content is transmitted from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server.
The delivery server
A storage unit for storing a database in which information for identifying the receiving terminal is registered; and video content transmitted from the transmitting terminal;
A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information to / from the transmission terminal and the reception terminal,
The transmission terminal includes a transmission unit that transmits video content and information for specifying a reception terminal of the video content to the distribution server,
The distribution server notifies the reception terminal whether or not to receive the video content transmitted by the transmission device based on information identifying the reception terminal of the video content transmitted by the transmission terminal,
When the receiving terminal approves the reception of video content, the distribution server registers information identifying the video content receiving terminal in the database, stores the video content in the storage unit, and
The content distribution system, wherein the distribution server transmits the video content to the receiving terminal when requested by the receiving terminal. In claim 1, when the transmission terminal transmits new video content to the distribution server for transmission to the reception terminal already registered in the database of the distribution server,
The content distribution system, wherein the distribution server transmits a notification that new video content can be received to the receiving terminal. A distribution server in a content distribution system in which a transmission terminal and a reception terminal are connected to a distribution server via a network, and transmits video content from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server,
A storage unit for storing a database in which information for identifying the receiving terminal is registered; and video content transmitted from the transmitting terminal;
A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information to / from the transmission terminal and the reception terminal,
The transmission / reception unit receives the video content transmitted by the transmission terminal and information specifying the reception terminal of the video content,
The distribution server notifies the reception terminal whether or not to receive the video content transmitted by the transmission device based on information identifying the reception terminal of the video content transmitted by the transmission terminal,
When the receiving terminal approves the reception of video content, the distribution server registers information identifying the video content receiving terminal in the database, stores the video content in the storage unit, and
The distribution server, wherein when requested by the receiving terminal, the distribution server transmits the video content to the receiving terminal. In claim 3 , when the transmitting terminal transmits new video content to be transmitted to the receiving terminal already registered in the database of the distribution server, to the distribution server,
A distribution server, wherein a notification that new video content can be received is transmitted to the receiving terminal. A content distribution method in a content distribution system in which a transmission terminal and a reception terminal are connected to a distribution server via a network and transmit video content from the transmission terminal to the reception terminal via the distribution server,
The transmitting terminal transmits video content and information for specifying a receiving terminal of the video content to the distribution server,
The distribution server notifies the reception terminal whether or not to receive the video content transmitted by the transmission device based on information identifying the reception terminal of the video content transmitted by the transmission terminal,
When the receiving terminal approves the reception of video content, the distribution server registers information specifying the video content receiving terminal in the database, stores the video content,
The content distribution method, wherein the distribution server transmits the video content to the receiving terminal when requested by the receiving terminal. In claim 5 , when the transmission terminal transmits new video content to the distribution server for transmission to the reception terminal already registered in the database of the distribution server,
A content distribution method comprising: transmitting a notification that new video content can be received to the receiving terminal.

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